Nitrite reduction mediated by the complex RuIII(EDTA)†
Abstract
Reported is the first example of a ruthenium(III)-complex, RuIII(EDTA) (EDTA4− = ethylenediaminetetraacetate), that mediates O-atom transfer from nitrite to the biological thiols cysteine and glutathione, leading to the formation of [RuIII(EDTA)(NO+)]0. However, at pH below 5.0, the coordinated nitrite ion in the [RuIII(EDTA)(NO2)]2− complex undergoes proton-assisted decomposition, resulting in the formation of a [RuIII(EDTA)(NO+)]0 species.